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Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease commonly found in psittaciformes. Its incidence is high in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). Clinical symptoms are discreet and his diagnosis is often made by chance at autopsy. When clinical signs are present, lethargy, dyspnea, ataxia, nervous disorders, intermittent claudications, perch falls and pickling are observed. The deposition of atheromas is mainly located in the large vessels: thoracic aorta, brachiocephalic arteries and pulmonary arteries. The main factors known to be precursors to atherosclerosis are species, age, female sex, certain diseases (reproductive disorders, liver disease, myocardial fibrosis) and high plasma total cholesterol concentration. To date, no link between Chlamydia psittaci infection and atherosclerosis has been found. The diagnosis is generally made on the basis of the macroscopic lesions observed during autopsies. However, ante-mortem diagnostic methods are beginning to be developed. The determination of plasma cholesterol makes it possible to initiate the diagnosis but does not in itself constitute an element of certainty. Specific medical imaging techniques (radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, X-ray angiography, CT or magnetic resonance angiography) can help to reveal clinical suspicion, but more often than not, at an already advanced stage of the disease. No effective medical treatment is described to date, as the recommended drugs and doses are not based on specific clinical studies, although clinical descriptions of partial efficacy of treatments have been published. To date, the prevention of atherosclerosis seems to be the only effective way forward. It would be based on maintaining a low total plasma cholesterol level through regular physical activity and a diet low in saturated fatty acids in birds. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are found to protect against the development of atherosclerosis.

avian atherosclerosis, --- psittaciformes, African grey parrots, diagnose, treatment, --- Sciences du vivant > Médecine vétérinaire & santé animale